On the specific nature of space

Location referring to the earth's structure is absolute and unique. Relative location, emphasising relationships between places, is the basis of locational analysis. Specific location implies a designation of places in terms of social activities and values. A place is a location invested with social values. Space may be undifferentiated until the accumulation of activities and values begin to map it into a meaningful cultural landscape. The significance of specific places can be extended to regions and to states, in which there is convenience between a territory and a value system. Although experiential, this approach to understanding places is a necessary corrective to the incomplete view of reality of orthodox positivism.